CEO Rana Florida on Philanthropy’s Role in Shaping Future Leaders

Bazaar Arabia explores Rana Florida’s journey in moulding future visionaries through generosity…

If there’s one thing many people have learned in the business world, it’s that adopting a “philanthropy-first” mindset is a game changer. But philanthropy first doesn’t mean just writing checks. It’s about putting others’ needs ahead of your own and looking for ways to support and elevate those around you.

People with a philanthropic spirit are always on the lookout for opportunities to help others. When they find those chances, they act quickly and without expecting anything in return. The result? They become incredibly valuable in their ecosystem.

In the ever-evolving world of business and philanthropy, Rana Florida has made meaningful contributions through their work.

Rana, CEO of the Creative Class Group, has achieved success in the business realm, guiding renowned brands, while also prioritizing social impact through her philanthropic activities, demonstrating her dedication to corporate responsibility.

Rana’s path to achievement combines her drive, innovative spirit, and desire to create a positive impact. After completing her MBA as the daughter of Jordanian immigrants, she swiftly climbed the corporate ladder in Washington, DC, holding significant positions at Fortune 500 companies. However, her time at the Creative Class Group with her husband, Richard Florida, allowed her to merge her business acumen with her desire to make a societal difference.

Reflecting on her journey, Rana shares, “I left the corporate world and interviewed successful leaders on the definition of success for the Huffington Post and my book, Upgrade. I interviewed a wide range of people, from a Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon to a Grammy Award-winning singer to tennis star Andre Agassi, celebrity chefs, and even First Lady Michelle Obama and President Bill Clinton. It was through this wide range of interviews that I learned that success is about giving back. Dr. John Noseworthy at the Mayo Clinic said a successful leader leads by serving, by serving their team and their community.”

Her dedication to charitable work is apparent through her active involvement in various boards and committees, including the board of Silver Arts Projects, a non-profit organization at the World Trade Center. This organization offers artists free residencies in downtown Manhattan. Rana also supports Voices for Children, assisting 1,700 kids in foster care, and Best Buddies Canada, helping children form vital social connections. Additionally, she is active with the National Ballet of Canada and the UnMet Gala. Through these roles, Rana exemplifies how giving back can foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment, countering societal inequalities and polarisation.

Rana believes that getting involved in philanthropy can help mold future leaders by nurturing crucial traits like empathy, collaboration, and community engagement. She views philanthropy as a vital aspect of developing leadership skills, providing distinct chances for personal and professional growth.

“Leadership is about always learning and being curious, not being the smartest person in the room but surrounding yourself with smart people,” Rana asserts.

For young people aiming to become leaders, Rana offers this advice: “Start with small steps, but keep your sights on big goals. Find a cause that really speaks to you and jump in. Whether it’s volunteering your time, sharing your skills, or taking the lead, don’t hesitate to take the initiative. The lessons you learn along the way will be priceless.”

Learning from Failure

Rana’s journey to success has not been devoid of failures. However, she views these setbacks as essential learning opportunities. “There is no success without multiple failures,” she asserts. Embracing the concept of “failing forward,” Rana believes each failure is a chance to reset and rethink one’s path. She draws inspiration from figures like Sir Ken Robinson and Sara Blakely, who advocate for a mindset that sees failure as a stepping stone to innovation and growth. “Failure is an indication that you tried something,” Rana quotes from David Kidder’s profile of Blakely in The Startup Playbook. This perspective encourages viewing failures as opportunities for learning and improvement. For Rana, failing forward means continuously refining processes, discovering new solutions, and pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Defining Her Brand

Rana’s professional identity is linked to her role as the CEO of The Creative Class Group (CCG). CCG, a strategy firm, uses its collection of exclusive data to provide guidance to various clients, such as businesses, governments, non-profit organizations, and universities. The firm’s team consists of researchers, analysts, and business professionals. CCG offers expertise in a range of fields, including economic development, talent management, real estate investments, and environmental sustainability. Drawing on the work of her husband, urban theorist Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class, CCG’s impact is global, assisting entities like BMW, Audi, Art Basel, Cirque du Soleil, and Starwood Hotels in tapping into the potential of the Creative Class. This demographic, which Florida states in his book comprises about one-third of the U.S. workforce, makes it a critical focus for any forward-thinking organization.

She and her husband were part of Le Meridien Hotels LM 100, serving as global brand ambassadors to change the guest arrival experience for this Starwood Hotel Brand.

Collaborate

“Collaboration is key,” Rana asserts. “When you work with others who share your vision, you amplify your impact in ways you couldn’t achieve alone. It’s about pooling resources, expertise, and perspectives to tackle complex issues and drive meaningful change.”

“Richard and I were fortunate to collaborate with Art Basel to launch Art Basel Cities in Buenos Aires on an arts and cultural strategy for economic development. We advised Cirque du Soleil on the selection of target markets in the US and Canada. Currently, we are collaborating with Meta to quantify the economic impact of the Creator Economy,” she adds.

Rana encourages aspiring philanthropists to seek out partnerships that align with their goals. “We like to partner with organizations that embrace creativity and innovation. Look for organizations or individuals who are passionate about the same causes,” she advises. “Together, you can leverage each other’s strengths and networks to achieve greater impact. Collaboration isn’t just about working together—it’s about building lasting relationships based on trust, shared values, and a commitment to making a difference.”

Her journey underscores how philanthropy shapes future leaders. Rana’s journey from corporate achievement to impactful giving demonstrates that leadership is not measured solely by career accomplishments but by making a significant difference in the world. By engaging in philanthropy, leaders cultivate traits like empathy, teamwork, and social awareness, which are crucial for driving positive societal change and leaving a lasting legacy.

As she eloquently puts it, “Leadership is about serving others. When we give back, we not only transform the lives of others but also enrich our own.”

Lead image courtesy of Marcio Amaral

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